Alex Rosenberg

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Harvard 88, Columbia 84 (2OT)

Friday, February 14, 2014 | Levien Gymnasium (Manhattan, NY)

Alex Rosenberg — PF, 6-7, 215
Junior, 22 years old

*Rosenberg played one season of postgraduate basketball at The Peddle School (NJ).

Season (28 mpg): 15 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 1.2 APG
46% FG, 46% three-point

Game: 34 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals
10-17 FG, 4-6 three-point

Outlook: Rosenberg led Columbia, scoring a career-high 34 points including key free throws in regulation and overtime. At 6-7, he is a power forward with terrific range on his jump shot. He is Columbia’s best offensive player, and he’s very important to his team’s success, as his 4.1 win shares lead the Ivy League.

Rosenberg is most effective as a floor spacing shooter. He primarily sets up on the perimeter, where he can get a clean look over the top of the defense, or take bigger/slower defenders off the dribble. This season, 75 of his 216 attempts (35%) have been 3-pointers. In terms of shooting, he’s most effective with his feet set, shooting 48% on catch and shoot attempts this season. Rosenberg can curl around a screen or flair out for a quick attempt.

Although he’s a good shooter, Rosenberg is not nearly as effective in the paint. He occasionally flashed a face-up game (mostly jump shots) vs. Harvard, but he hardly scores with his back to the basket. In fact, only 3% of his attempts this season have been direct post ups. Through watching film of Rosenberg vs. St. John’s earlier this year, it’s obvious he struggles to score against length and athleticism. He lacks vertical athleticism, which often results in Rosenberg getting his shot blocked. Furthermore, Rosenberg has a tendency to scoop the ball underhand when driving. He inexplicably attempted four underhand layups vs. Harvard (by my count).

Also, I’m not sure where Rosenberg fits defensively. He’s too skinny to defend post players, and lacks the speed and athleticism to defend the perimeter. Rosenberg struggled to defend Harvard combo forward Steve Moundou-Missi, who finished with 22 points.

Going forward, Rosenberg must develop an interior game, and also adapt a more physical mindset. He needs to bulk up to play in the paint, instead of just moseying around the perimeter. Playing inside will position Rosenberg to compete for more rebounds. Overall, Rosenberg is a good shooter, but has a few areas to improve in. If he rounds out his game over the next 12 months, we can maybe revisit down the line.

Video: 3-Point Shooting

– Mostly catch and shoot.

Video: Around the Basket

Quick first step, but often finishes underhand.

Video: Post Struggles